Mental Health Awareness
Gaston County Schools Support Services
GCS Cares About Your Mental Health!
One in five people suffers from mental illness every year. Based on the population of Gaston County, that is approximately 31,000 friends, neighbors, and loved ones living with a mental illness—who may not know it or how to handle it. People may expect a person with mental illness to look and act different from others, and they may tell someone who doesn't "look ill" to "get over it" through willpower. These misconceptions add to the challenges of living with a mental health condition. Millions of people with a mental illness live successful lives. The key is knowing help is available.
Did you know that Gaston County Schools has MANY resources to help support our students', staff, and families' mental health? Many of our students and their families are affected by mental illness. Mental illness is a medical condition that affects a person’s daily functioning. Mental illness can be found in all races, cultures, and income levels. In response to this, GCS strives to provide protections and resources to our students and families dealing with mental illness and emotional distress.
Licensed Professionals
We have licensed professional school counselors in every building who have been through rigorous graduate school training in supporting the social, emotional and academic development of students. Every school has access to a licensed school social worker, psychologist, and nurse who has also been trained in how to support the emotional well-being of students.
Mental Health First Aid
In response to those affected by mental illness in our schools, GCS has partnered with Partners Behavioral Health and other local agencies to offer Mental Health First Aid training to every staff member. This training provides staff with a better understanding of mental illness, promotes awareness, and helps reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. It also helps staff members feel more comfortable talking to students about mental health.
Mental Health Services
The mental health services area within Student Support Services has grown significantly over the past few years. Mental health clinicians work collaboratively with school personnel and community agencies to provide intervention strategies to increase academic success and improve graduation rates, provide crisis intervention, and assist students in developing appropriate social interaction skills. Mental health clinicians also work diligently to serve students and families. In addition, The Mental Health Services within Student Support Services for GCS continues to expand services and supports for students. We currently employ two mental health clinicians to attend Child and Family Team meetings, transition meetings, and to provide consultations and referrals for students currently experiencing mental health issues.
School Based Therapy
GCS has partnered with several local mental health agencies to provide school based therapy services to students in every one of our schools. A therapist is assigned to each school and is able to provide counseling services during the school day. Agencies work with families to determine the best course of treatment for each individual.
Suicide Prevention Committee
We have a committee that focuses on suicide prevention and providing resources to our schools to support the well-being of our staff and students. Research based training is provided to every single staff member and student in GCS to help identify and help students at risk of self-harm.
Crisis Team
Gaston County Schools has a team of professionals made up of counselors, social workers, nurses, and mental health clinicians. This team operates off of a research based model to provide emergency services to a school during a time of crisis, such as student or staff member death.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)-this is for GCS employees only
EAP and Work-Life Services are convenient, confidential, and provided at no cost to employees or members of their household for up to three sessions. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; so, call anytime. You will have access to counseling, research and referrals, and legal and financial services. Gaston County Schools pays all costs for the first three sessions. 1-800-448-4358
Resources for this page were pulled from the GCS Mental Health website at https://sites.google.com/a/gaston.k12.nc.us/mental-health-services-social-work/
Never be embarrassed to ask for help...
"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hand it on." -Thomas Jefferson
Please note that if you have a mental health emergency call 911 if it is after school hours. The Partners mobile crisis and information line for mental health services is 1-888-235-4673 and is in operation 24/7 by a licensed clinician.
Positive Coping Skills
There will always be bumps in the road, but things will improve. Having patience and taking time to remember your positive qualities and accomplishments is a start.
Exercising regularly and eating healthy can also help improve your mood and self-esteem Always remember, there is help if you need it. Contact your school counselor or social worker for options that can help.
Tips and Resources
Many students often feel down and confused at times. It is normal to need help, and OK to ask for help from others. At times, we may not understand how others deal with situations in their lives, but it is important to listen non-judgmentally. To keep your stress level low, it is also important to give yourself extra time, engage in healthy hobbies, exercise, and to practice deep breathing techniques. If you or a friend are in need of help, it’s important for you to talk to a school counselor or social worker, even if you might be a little nervous about doing so. Together, we can raise awareness and make a positive difference in someone’s life. We are all here to help you. If you are ever in an emergency situation and have thoughts about harming yourself, the National Suicide Lifeline is also available to support you 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week/ 365 days a year. Their toll free number is 1-800-273-8255. You can also text CONNECT to 741741 and talk with a live mental health professional. For more info: https://www.crisistextline.org/depression/